Parling: England's game fell apart

The 29-year-old England second row saw his side's Grand Slam hopes go up in smoke against Wales

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After such a chastening experience at the Millennium Stadium, England second-row Geoff Parling admits that he and his teammates still have a lot to learn.

Favourites to secure a first Grand Slam since 2003 on their arrival in Cardiff, Stuart Lancaster's side were ruthlessly swept aside by an inspired Wales.

Alex Cuthbert's two second-half tries were no more than Rob Howley's team deserved in what ended up being a 30-3 rout as Wales denied England not only a Grand Slam but also leapfrogged them to the RBS 6 Nations title.

And for Parling, who started all five of England's games in this year's Championship, there was little room for consolation after a Grand Slam push that fell at the final hurdle.

"That was a massive opportunity lost," he said.

"How many people get an opportunity to win a Grand Slam? And we have lost the Six Nations too.

"We showed character in Dublin and France and this team has a lot of that - but when the really big one came around, we let ourselves down.

"We were beaten in all areas of the park. They got the better of us at the ruck and were more clinical with the ball. We didn't play well.

"It hurts. We are not going to look back at the last four games that we have won and be pleased after what has happened."

As the points began to add up in the second half England looked all at sea and the Leicester lock has vowed to learn from their Welsh humbling.

"It's the first time with this group of players that we've had to stand together under the posts and say that we're only playing for pride," he added.

"Normally you can rely on one part of your game or another to get you back on the front foot. But this time all the other bits of our game fell apart as well.

"I don't know about long-term damage but the short-term damage is pretty hard to take at the moment."

After losing their Under-20s Six Nations crown to England Under-20s in a thrilling final round, France Under-20s lock Tristan Labouteley insists his side will be out for revenge at this year's Junior World Championship.